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Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Last Hope by Douglas Van Dyke Jr. is a captivating science fiction short story that follows Gordon Rogers, a mutant with Nullifier powers. His mission is to capture rogue, unregistered mutants. Experienced and determined, Gordon is on the lookout for special mutants whose unique powers could turn the tide in favor of humanity. Deep in the mountains, Trevor Snyder, a young teleporter, is hiding with his father, a fireshaper. Trevor's father insists they remain in seclusion because he believes that the authorities exploit mutants’ powers, forcing them into unwilling labor. When Gordon is dispatched to extract Trevor, he faces the daunting challenge of retrieving him before Trevor can disappear into thin air. He must proceed with caution, as this mission is humanity's last chance for survival on a dying planet.
Last Hope masterfully blends dystopian sci-fi with thought-provoking themes of trust and survival. Douglas Van Dyke Jr. explores concepts of heroism and moral ambiguity, challenging the common belief that higher authorities are inherently evil and exploitative. This angle makes the narrative unique and engaging. The opening scene, where Gordon navigates through a crowd of mutants, instantly draws readers in and ignites their intrigue. Trevor is a relatable character seeking freedom to explore his powers. He fears capture and a loss of control, but still chooses to secretly venture into the world to discover himself and his capabilities. I hope there will be more stories about these characters, as I would love to see Trevor's growth and future adventures. Overall, this book emphasizes that in a broken world, the true last hope lies in the unlikeliest of heroes—those who can overcome their limitations and forge a new future.
